I need one.
Seriously though, I could probably write those three words then post some pics and this writeup would be over. I realize there are very few bolt rifle reviews posted to this site, the first of which being the Savage Axis Rifle Review which ironically was our first gun review ever last winter. This rifle definitely doesn’t need our approval or any more press than it’s already getting, considering the fact that it got 2011 Rifle of the Year from the Shooting Industry Academy of Excellence.
Ruger’s primary marketing phrase/scheme for this particular gun has been:
“the one rifle to have if you could only have one.”
Dumb? Maybe. Arguably true? Maybe. Completely false? Doubtful.
The truth is there is a lot to like about bolt action rifles in general. They’re a repeating firearm, meaning even though they require manual operation to eject then re chamber another round, much like a lever gun the user can learn to operate the action quickly, efficiently and in the case of a bolt gun, accurately. While today I primarily rely on single shots (Thompson Center Encore system for versatility/barrel swapping) and semi-auto firearms both for hunting and self defense, I grew up and learned how to be proficient with a rifle by way of a bolt gun… a post 1964 Winchest Model 70 in 300 Win Mag to be exact.
The Ruger Gunsite Scout Rifle is sort of an amalgamation of Ruger’s classic “MINI” (14/30) series rifles, the 10/22, and their M7 7 series of bolt action rifles. There’s a 10 round detachable box magazine (now available in polymer configuration), a birdcage flash hider, a Mauser style action and claw type shell extractor on the bolt, picatinny rail forward of the action and boasts a svelte weight of 7 pounds. The overall length is 38″ with a 16.5 inch barrel which is equal to that of an AR type carbine or even my TC Encore in 280 Improved!
Synonyms of “a-mal-ga-ma-tion”: Consolidation, Combination, Blend, Union, Fusion, Joining.
Image taken from accurateshooter.com. Diagram shows the "meat" features of the rifle.
Some may ask what the “SCOUT” feature or brand is that comes along with this rifle. The primary reference is one of a rifle that goes everywhere with the user. It’s a multi-purpose of all purposes type gun. But the most common distinguishing factor of a scout rifle today is the forward mounted rail between the front sight and the rifle’s action, whether it be a lever action or bolt action. The placement of the scope allows the shooter to mount a scout specific scope with extended “EYE RELIEF” which offers versatile magnification but most importantly lets the user keep both eyes open when shooting making it a quick shooter, easier to track with moving targets or find multiple targets more quickly.
I’m still not positive it would be the ONLY gun I’d carry if I could only have one rifle, as of right now I think I’d still be leaning on my AK for that, BUT with all that into consideration, I still want one. 
What do you think? Which gun would you choose to have by your side if you could have JUST ONE?
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9 Responses to Ruger Gunsite .308 Scout Rifle
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I received one last week and have yet to find what kind of groups it will make. I have heard differing reports on accuracy. I guess I would be happy with 4″ at 100yds using a red dot. I will find out Monday.
So wait, you “received” one? As in like how Jeff Quinn at Gunblast “receives” guns from Ruger on a daily basis? Or was this one out of your own hard earned treasury? Looking forward to the results. As I said, if it’s at least close to as good as people claim it’ll be sweet, though I don’t imagine I would throw a red dot on it. Probably a Leupold Scout 1.5-4x or something.
I actually won it and had Ruger send me a left handed one. I wish I could land a gig where guns just showed up for review. I have a 2.5 Leupold Scout Scope on one my Marlin 1895GS and enjoy it very much, but I’m holding off on scoping the GSR for a while. I heard Trijicon is revealing a scout scope in their Accupoint line at SHOT… (that’s a rumor I started, mainly because I really want them to make one.)
I think this rifle really appeals to the guys wishing that some day Red Dawn will come true. Or to take on the role of Frank Grimes. I think its a very interesting rifle, but I’m curious to how it feels shooting. Being so light, it might be nice but the recoil may be more jarring. It’s definitely promising as a “one-and-only” gun though.
Jeff Cooper was a remarkable man. The scout rifle concept was, in my humble opinion, not one of his best ideas. He origanated the scout as a military arm. In a day of modern weapons, the only place for a bolt gun is as a sniper. I can see it as a brush/survival rifle. But a modern lever gun is just as good at 1/2 the price. As to accuracy, I expect it to be up to Rugers usual standard.
Part of the appeal of this style of rifle I think is its sturdy construction and reliable function. The bolt gun combines rugged reliability and substantial accuracy even from a budget bargain basement type rifle.
My comment was made primarily as regards to the original military application. I don’t question the quality of the Ruger Scout, (nor the original Styer and the Savage). And I’m old fashioned enough to still like iron sights on a rifle. I just feel that these, especially the Styer are too expensive. Thus I still believe you’re better off with a compact lever gun or ex military with a LER scope. Though to be honest, I’m not a big fan of LER scopes.
Ethan look up my short but growing series on turning a Mosin Nagant 91/30 into a scout rifle. It definitely fits the bill of a compact bolt gun at a bargain price.
Read them. I think it’s certainly an economical alternative, as is any GI conversion. I’m stil not sold on the LER scope.